No one expected a New Yorker to move to Houston and open one of the
best traditional Jewish delis in the country, so it shouldn't be too
much of a surprise that the home of Ziggy Gruber, the owner of Kenny
& Ziggy's Deli, defies expectations as well.

The bathroom may be free of clutter and decor, but it's definitely not boring.

The bathroom may be free of clutter and decor, but it's definitely not boring.

Photo: Julie Soefer

The bathroom may be free of clutter and decor, but it's... Photo-6042065.75871 - Houston Chronicle

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A pair of Arteriors chandeliers hang over the mink marble island in the kitchen of Courtnay Elias's Tanglewood home. "I bought one for a client and then I couldn't get them out of my head," Elias said. Above the counter, photos of budgerigars by Leila Jeffries enchanted Elias despite the interior designer's dislike of birds. less

A pair of Arteriors chandeliers hang over the mink marble island in the kitchen of Courtnay Elias's Tanglewood home. "I bought one for a client and then I couldn't get them out of my head," Elias said. Above ... more

The circa 1840-1845 Gindorf House near Brenham was a primitive... Photo-6085784.75871 - Houston Chronicle

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The Powells have created a gracious, antique-filled dining room in the oldest room of the house. They re-plastered its walls because the earlier stone walls there were crude and uneven, unlike the magnificent work in other rooms. less

The Powells have created a gracious, antique-filled dining room in the oldest room of the house. They re-plastered its walls because the earlier stone walls there were crude and uneven, unlike the magnificent ... more

Lonergan sourced the top of her dining table from the same south Louisiana cypress vendor who made porch swings for her grandfather. Louis Ghost chairs were chosen because they are easy to move and clean.

Lonergan sourced the top of her dining table from the same south Louisiana cypress vendor who made porch swings for her grandfather. Louis Ghost chairs were chosen because they are easy to move and clean.

Photo: Kate LeSueur

Lonergan sourced the top of her dining table from the same south... Photo-5946838.75871 - Houston Chronicle

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Farrow & Ball's Black Blue shade on the walls in the nursery creates a contrast with the gold-tone cradle and wall art by Tara Conley and Christian Chaize.

Farrow & Ball's Black Blue shade on the walls in the nursery creates a contrast with the gold-tone cradle and wall art by Tara Conley and Christian Chaize.

The master bedroom in Meg Lonergan's Heights bungalow features a pair of French antique Louis Philippe chests, topped with a pair of numbered Louisiana heron etchings, which Lonergan declares her best thrift store find of all time. The ottomans were originally midcentury Henredon side tables found at the Guild Shop, cut down and then with a tufted upholstered top added. The French chandelier is from Janet Wiebe Antiques. less

The master bedroom in Meg Lonergan's Heights bungalow features a pair of French antique Louis Philippe chests, topped with a pair of numbered Louisiana heron etchings, which Lonergan declares her best thrift ... more

A classic "dogtrot" divides the downstairs kitchen and living room at Chad Neal's weekend getaway near Shelby. Interior designer Susan White found ways to incorporate vintage fishing poles, handmade fishing nets and doilies created by Neal's late grandparents around the house. less

Interior of the Whitley Ranch near Brenham, with floors of reclaimed pallets by Schenck & Company that received the "Best Reclaimed" Wood Floor of the Year award from the National Wood Flooring Association in April. less

The rafter space is used as on office above the open-plan library nook, kitchen and living room in the Ansells' home. The nook features a 19th-century table from Scharold Antiques and vintage chairs found on 19th Street in the Heights, recovered in Glick fabric. less

The rafter space is used as on office above the open-plan library nook, kitchen and living room in the Ansells' home. The nook features a 19th-century table from Scharold Antiques and vintage chairs found on ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

The rafter space is used as on office above the open-plan library... Photo-4776116.75871 - Houston Chronicle

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.75871 - Houston Chronicle

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Original wood walls and floors in the living room surround a vintage blue couch and a green rug from Blue Bird Circle.

Original wood walls and floors in the living room surround a vintage blue couch and a green rug from Blue Bird Circle.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

Original wood walls and floors in the living room surround a... Photo-4776117.75871 - Houston Chronicle